Jump To:

• run-through
  run-through

  noun

  the performing of a sequence of designated actions, especially as a trial prior to actual performance; rehearsal; practice.
• run through
  run through

  verb

  (tr, adverb) to transfix with a sword or other weapon

run-through

American  

[ruhn-throo] / ˈrʌnˌθru /

noun

• run-throughs
  plural

1. the performing of a sequence of designated actions, especially as a trial prior to actual performance; rehearsal; practice.

2. a quick outline or review.

   a run-through of his medical history.

---

adjective

1. (of a freight train) made up of cars for a single destination, usually routed so as to avoid congested areas and stopping only for a change of crew.

run through British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to transfix with a sword or other weapon

2. (intr, preposition) to exhaust (money) by wasteful spending; squander

3. (intr, preposition) to practise or rehearse

   let's run through the plan

4. (intr, preposition) to examine hastily

---

noun

1. a practice or rehearsal

2. a brief survey

run through Idioms  

1. Pierce, as in The soldier was run through by a bayonet . [c. 1400]

2. Use up quickly, as in She ran through her allowance in no time . [c. 1600]

3. Practice, review or rehearse quickly, as in Let's run through the first movement again , or The crew ran through the rescue procedures , or The attorney ran through the defense witness's testimony . [Mid-1400s]

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• run-throughs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of run-through

First recorded in 1920–25; noun use of verb phrase run through

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

run-through run through run-throughs

"Take that to the bank," whispers Henderson after a the first run-through.

From BBC ● Jun. 13, 2026

After each run-through, participants gather in a circle to offer critiques.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2026

The mishaps during a run-through that the US space agency calls a "wet dress rehearsal" dashed hopes that the mission around the Moon could launch as soon as Sunday.

From Barron's ● Feb. 3, 2026

We’ve done a run-through or two, and it’s exhausting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 17, 2025

The next morning, Sara comes over with her mom so we can give our ice cream a final run-through.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Where Hampton has really stood out, though, is with his ability — in the words of the iconic Marshawn Lynch — to run through faces.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

The current U.S. television and streaming rights for the Premier League run through the 2027–’28 season.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026

Trains are continuing to run through the Sylmar/San Fernando station, but passengers are being asked to board and exit through the back two cars to minimize disruption at the still-active crime scene, the spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026

The severance program, set to run through the end of next year, will be offered to employees in administrative positions and exclude production jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

It would like a new family to run through its massive halls, children to climb on the grand staircase, mothers to chide them and fathers to play hide-and-seek through the many rooms.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

He said the cast had been attending the run-throughs despite poor weather, showing "that great Bradford resilience".

From BBC ● Jan. 10, 2025

Democratic operative Philippe Reines, a longtime Hillary Clinton aide, portrayed Trump in the run-throughs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2024

And the band is in Studio B, and we get a couple of run-throughs there, and I’m waiting, and it comes through the talkback.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 3, 2023

Recently, because of her dancers’ schedules, she initiated run-throughs of the entire program — with no stops and just a short break between pieces — at the ungodly dancer hour of 10 a.m.

From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2022

Each segment requires several run-throughs before it is smooth enough to be filmed.

From 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s by Max Millard